Search warrant reveals new details in shooting of Columbus County deputy
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A newly released search warrant reveals additional details about a violent struggle that left a Columbus County sheriff’s deputy wounded last month and sparked an hours-long manhunt for the suspect.
According to the warrant, Deputy Joe Byrd attempted to stop a gray Chevrolet Silverado around 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 16, but the driver refused to pull over.
A pursuit followed, ending when the pickup truck crashed into a log truck on Shackletown Road in Delco.
The driver, identified as 48-year-old William Robert Smith Jr., fled the vehicle on foot, prompting Byrd to chase him down Shackletown Road.
According to an affidavit filed by North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Byrd and Smith ended up in a shallow ditch filled with standing water.
Investigators allege Smith attempted to drown Byrd in the ditch.
The warrant states that Byrd pulled his firearm and attempted to shoot Smith, who then tried to knock the weapon out of the deputy’s hand.
During the struggle, the firearm discharged, striking Byrd in the forearm.
Smith fled the scene, according to investigators.
The search warrant also provides new information about what investigators observed inside the abandoned pickup truck.
According to the affidavit, the driver’s door was left open, and several weapons were visible inside the vehicle, including a machete, baseball bat, knives and ammunition.
Investigators determined the truck was registered to Smith and obtained a search warrant to look for evidence that could help locate him.
The warrant authorized investigators to search for weapons, electronic devices, vehicle data, clothing, documents and other potential evidence.
The pickup truck was seized and taken to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office garage in Whiteville.
Byrd was hospitalized at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington following the shooting.
The shooting prompted an extensive search involving local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Smith faces charges including attempted first-degree murder.
